Cardinalfish

Description: Characterized by distinctive elongate rays anteriorly on second dorsal fin; head golden-brown to bronzy color; body pinkish with broad purplish to brown scale margins; caudal peduncle whitish; fins orange to yellowish color; juvenile with four dark brown stripe, caudal peduncle yellowish, caudal fin base with black spot on middle; greatest depth of body 2.4-2.6 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Mouthbrooders (Ref. 240). Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8

Inhabits rocky and weedy areas with scattered coral outcrops. Rarely seen. Usually occurs in pairs (Ref. 11894).